Pehli Baarish, founded by playback singer and Trinayani’s Founder-Trustee, Ms. Ritika Sahni, is an inclusive music band that has been spreading the joy of music since its inception in Mumbai in 2014, later expanding to Kolkata in 2018. Born from heartfelt conversations with talented musicians, artists and professionals with disabilities, the band initially comprised of artists of National Organization of Disabled Artists (NODA), led by Kishor Gohil.
A Livelihood Initiative with a Purpose
Pehli Baarish is not just about music—it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring change. As a livelihood initiative, we perform at corporate events, festivals, and social gatherings, while also offering our talents pro-bono for causes close to our hearts.
What Makes Pehli Baarish Unique?
Imagine a stage where boundaries blur, stereotypes break, and talent shines—that’s Pehli Baarish. By bringing together artists with and without disabilities, we don’t just make music; we create an experience that celebrates the unique strengths of each member. But inclusion, for us, goes beyond the performers—we ensure our shows are accessible to all by collaborating with Sign Language interpreters, ensuring that every audience member can connect with the music.
Music That Breaks Barriers
Through our performances, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in fostering dialogue and breaking social barriers. Whether entertaining children battling cancer or performing in correctional facilities, every show is a testament to music’s ability to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations.
A standout performance took place in Bangalore for Walmart on December 21, 2023, featuring local singer Ritvik Rajan alongside talented musicians such as Nagesh Kamble, Kiran Vinkar, Nitesh Sonawane, Sachin Gaikar, and Shafaq Qureshi, each with different disabilities. The performance left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Our Professional Performances Include:
- Walmart (Bangalore)
- Purple Fest (Goa)
- Saanidhaanam (Palghar)
- Ability Foundation (Chennai)
- HPCL (Vizag)
- Online shows for Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Diageo and more
Giving Back Through Music:
In the spirit of social impact, we have also performed at:
🎶 Umerkhadi Children’s Home, Dongri
🎶 Chembur Children’s Home
🎶 Leprosy Hospital
🎶 Urja, Prerana, and other Mumbai-based organizations
Challenging Perceptions, One Performance at a Time
Pehli Baarish represents a refreshing departure from traditional narratives surrounding disability. Rather than being viewed through a lens of dependence, we highlight the talent, resilience, and contributions of this vibrant community. And what better way to challenge stereotypes than through the universal language of music?
If you’d like to learn more or invite Pehli Baarish to perform, reach out to us. Let’s come together to create a world where music unites us all! 🎵
